Creamy Parmesan Pasta

By ccavaletti

Ingredients

• 12 oz (2-1/2 c) uncooked dried gemelli pasta (used a whole 16 oz box of pasta and doubled the sauce)
• 2 Tbsp salted butter
• 3 c broccoli florets
• 1 c whipping cream
• 1/4 c salted butter
• 1 c finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 6 oz cooked chicken strips
• 1/2 c chopped cooked bacon
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pan and keep warm.

Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until sizzling; add broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisply tender, 4 - 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, place whipping cream and 1/4 c butter in a 1 qt. saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth (5-6 minutes). Remove from heat.

Pour Parmesan sauce over pasta; add broccoli, chicken, bacon and garlic salt. Gently stir until well mixed. Spoon into serving dish. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

From a Land O Lakes butter package.